Monday, July 25, 2016

A VERY SPECIAL EVENING..........

 

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….at the home of Manuela Goren, CTG board member, and her husband James…..….began with Amy and me driving to a spot nearby their residence to be greeted by members of the CTG staff and then taking one of the several shuttle vans of Chucksparking.com to our hosts location.

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The very special event was a 'Theatre Artists Dinner' to introduce Center Theatre Group supporters to Betty Buckley and Rachel York along with 'GRAY GARDENS THE MUSICAL’ Director, Michael Wilson and CTG Artistic Director Michael Ritchie. Here we go!IMG 4621

O.K. Peeps.  The following is for my foodie friends only!  

Thanks to amazing caterer Ray who you can reach at 818.966.0598, this was beyond delicious, yummy stuff wrapped in pastry….IMG 4626

Go ahead Amy…..IMG 4629

Oh my, this was by far the most delicious Smoked Salmon ever.  Moist and yummy with contrasting Creme Fresh and mystery ingredients….IMG 4643

Bravo to  Chef Ray for these Goat Cheese balls topped by sublime Fig Jam….IMG 4652

Time to sit down for dinner and of course I had to have everything…..sooo good!

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Always room for dessert and the fruit was a lovely, light touch…..

IMG 4673Kudos and special thanks to our generous and most gracious hosts Manuela and James…...IMG 4675

The ever beautiful Natalie from CTG….IMG 4648

It’s always fun to photograph the photographer.IMG 4644It’s a miracle Betty Buckley got to eat anything.  Just think, this was her only night off!IMG 4656

The always delightful Becky also on the CTG staff….IMG 4659

‘GRAY GARDENS THE MUSICAL’ Director Michael Wilson, stars Rachel York and Betty Buckley with moderator CTG Artistic Director Michael Ritchie. What a fun time listening to them...IMG 4671

Wishing you lovely evenings, delightful days  and for a special treat, don’t miss ‘GRAY GARDENS THE MUSICAL’ at the Music Center’s Ahmanson Theatre!!!

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Introduction

There is no avoiding the pull of the internet, the blogs, the YouTube imaginings. It's as if we're all 'On the Road' with Jack Kerouac each in our own world of meanderings. When we tell someone to 'get a life' it might be a bit difficult when you're dragged into other people's 24/7.

I've come to realize two foundational principals, there are no accidents and everyone has a purpose. More and more I'm desiring everyone to come into a full realization of their purpose as we all find our way on this little jewel of a planet.

For me, as a professional 'Western style artist', I stumbled into Chinese Brush Painting after a trip in 1980 to Monet's home/garden. Seeing all of his collection of Japanese woodblock prints was an ahh haa moment for me and when I returned to the States I started painting in the Chinese manner and never looked back. The first year was extremely painful for me as I felt that I should be able to master the technique since I was a 'trained' artist. Not a chance ... that just gets in your way.

Now, after teaching close to 3,000 students and having my book 'The Ch'i of the Brush' published by Watson Guptill, I can say that every one of my students does better their first day than I did my first year! Why? Because I insist that they leave their critical parent outside and just enjoy the journey, respecting the work that they do. I never let anyone throw anything away because that just ingrains frustration and defeat.

We really only begin to learn when we stop and figure out how to 'save' a painting. It works every time.I am so proud of my students, their receptivity and eagerness to express themselves is a continuing blessing for me.So, back to finding your purpose. Perhaps it starts with realizing 'it's not about me'. It so easy to want our needs met and to filter everything thru this attitude. When we realize that we're here to be of benefit to every life that we touch the universe really provides the ways and means.

The best part is that it's really exciting to not have yourself on your mind all the time!I'm re-reading a wonderful book about authenticity and in my next meandering I'll tell you about it. In the meantime I'd love to hear about your journey and am here to answer any and all questions about Chinese Brush Painting.